Ndabeni-Abrahams summoned after luncheon pic emerges, SA reacts
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he's asked Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams to come and see him - after a photo emerged showing her visiting friends - apparently during the lockdown.
Former deputy minister of Higher Education - Mduduzi Manana shared of the photo on Instagram of a group of people including Ndabeni-Abrahams - sitting around a table for a meal.
In the caption - Manana wrote that Ndabeni-Abrahams had stopped by on her way back from carrying out her ministerial duties "required for the effective functioning of the country during the lockdown."
READ: COVID-19 claims man's life at Durban hospital, death toll hits 13
Manana has since deleted the photo.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Water and Sanitation COVID-19 Command Centre in Johannesburg - Ramaphosa said he would discuss with Ndabeni-Abrahams the impact of such behaviour on the work government is trying to do to stop the spread of the virus.
The President has emphasised the importance of social distancing, staying at home - and avoiding going around visiting family and friends during this crucial time.
South Africans have been reacting to the photo on Twitter.
Deleted Instagram Pic of Mdu Manana and Stella Ndabeni-Abrams violating the lockdown rules. #LockdownMzansi #Day11ofLockdown #21daysLockdownSA pic.twitter.com/fylVnjvw3T
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) April 7, 2020
The commoners shall endure #SALockdown while the elites and the ruling class enjoy each other's company and freedom of movement. No political judgment, no commitment to cease their sense of exceptionalism. President Ramaphosa must act on Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams #covid19SA pic.twitter.com/zHo9rOpyhC
— Lukhona (@LukhonaMnguni) April 7, 2020
People cannot go bury their own family members but Minister Stella Ndabeni can go to dinners at her friend's house? 🤔😢😭😢😭 pic.twitter.com/HlAiGEjr3A
— Mohlanka wa Morena (@_DJCappuccino) April 7, 2020
Hey @SAPoliceService, since you arrested a man who was on his way to visit his girlfriend during the Lockdown, are you going to arrest Stella for visiting Mdu Manana? or niyakhetha?
— UNDLUNKULU XOLI 🦋💫🚘🌝 (@Undlunkulu_Xoli) April 7, 2020
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams should be treated the same way this couple was treated for breaking the law. Can't have different laws for different people based on political positions. pic.twitter.com/68RhP924w6
— Keyser Söze (@bongasomhlahlo) April 7, 2020
